Christmas kettle drive starts to ring in Markham

Markham Economist & Sun

Who wears red and brings joy to many in the community with just a simple smile?
While the obvious answer is Jolly Old St. Nick, there are those working on behalf of the holiday spirit who sometimes go unnoticed.
We all hear the bells of the annual Salvation Army Kettle Drive.
For the last 25 years, Markham’s Louise Mills has donned the red vest twice a week for two hours at a time and jingled her way into people’s hearts.
She doesn’t ask for spare change for the kettle.
She simply smiles to each and every shopper who walks by.
“They might not know my name, but they know what I stand for,” she said as the bells on her wrist jingle. “I’m just a reminder the Salvation Army is alive and willing.”
Ms Mills started with the kettle campaign close to three decades ago when her late husband, Ronald, was a church member. That was her way of giving back.
“It is a growing experience,” she said. “By standing here, I’m showing there are people who care.”
Giving is part of the holiday spirit. And it still comes alive even as shoppers rush to the next sale.
“You see people loaded with parcels stop and drop something in the kettle,” she said. “People walk back and forth but eventually they drop something. I say, think of it as another gift under the tree, but for someone else.”
But not everyone stops or donates.
Sometimes you get dirty looks or customers get vocal, said the grandmother of two.
Smiling is her response.
“Being positive is a choice,” she said. “Just like giving is a choice. Both come from an experience in life.”
Her favourite moment is the unexpected donor.
“It is a beautiful thing to see a teenager drop some money in here,” she said. “We usually think of them as loud and a disturbance. But they know how important it is to give. And it will be them standing here in 15 or 20 years.”
While many associate the kettle campaign with putting gifts under the tree for the less fortunate, funds also go well beyond the holiday season and help support programming for the following year, ocal Salvation Army community and family services co-ordinator Terry Harney said.
Funds raised by the annual campaign help support local programs such as stocking the local food bank and supporting low income families.
Funds raised in Markham, stay in Markham, Mr. Harney said.
“This is vital for us,” he said. “Every quarter is so important for us. When you drop change in the kettle, you’re not only helping the Salvation Army, you’re helping the community. We’re just here to pass on the help.”
While donations are important so, too, are volunteers. It usually takes about 100 volunteers to run a successful kettle campaign.
This year, Markham’s Salvation Army branch is in need of volunteers for a two-hour shift at any one of the five locations in the city along with one in Whitchurch-Stouffville.
“This program thrives on volunteers,” Mr. Harney said.
All you need is a smile and a warm heart. Red vest and jingle bells are provided.
“For many, the person ringing the bells at the kettle is their only interaction with the Salvation Army,” Mr. Harney said. “A smile and a handshake go a long way. The kettle campaign is a Canadian tradition.”
The first kettle was introduced in Canada in 1906 in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Today, there are more than 2,000 kettle champaigns across the country.
Last year, more than $21 million was raised during the annual kettle drive that went to help more than 1.8 million Canadians in times of need.
New this year, is the virtual kettle drive, where you can donate to a kettle campaign of your choice within your community. Or your can text HOPE to 45678 to make a $5 donation to the national campaign.
To make a virtual donation or to find a kettle drive near you, visit fillthekettle.com
To volunteer to be part of Markham’s kettle campaign, call the Salvation Army Markham Community Church 905-471-1038.